- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 13 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the closure of local hospital and respite services which have the support of local communities.
Answer
I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21085. In such instances, commissioners of care services should negotiate with care providers at local level, taking into account the wishes of local people.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 11 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Elaine Murray on 25 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive how it would define British culture.
Answer
It is not for the Executive to seek to define British culture.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 11 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Elaine Murray on 25 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the promotion of a British culture in Scotland by Her Majesty's Government.
Answer
Scotland has made and continues to make a significant contribution to British, European and World culture.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 11 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Elaine Murray on 25 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to promote a British culture among those Scots, of all ethnic groups, who hold that their national identity is Scottish rather than British.
Answer
All Scots can and should take pride in the culture of Scotland and the culture of Britain in all their diversity.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 11 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Elaine Murray on 25 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the Home Secretary's view on promoting a British culture.
Answer
None.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 10 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Nicol Stephen on 24 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Qualifications Authority will publish its accounts for 2000-01 and where they will be publicly accessible.
Answer
This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). However, the SQA normally makes its audited annual accounts available on request after they have been laid in Parliament. It is expected that the 2000-01 accounts will have been laid by 21 December 2001.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 10 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 24 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements it sets non-departmental public bodies for publication of accounts and what means it recommends for making such accounts open and accessible.
Answer
All non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) with budgetary responsibilities are required to produce annual accounts. These should be drawn up in accordance with best commercial practice, including for example, an operating/income and expenditure account; a balance sheet or statement of assets and liabilities; a flow of funds statement.Accounts and Annual Reports are the main vehicles by which NDPBs regularly inform Parliament and the public about their expenditure and activities. NDPBs are required to make them publicly available, for example through libraries and public body websites.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 10 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Nicol Stephen on 24 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any restrictions prevent local authorities from using (a) the Excellence Fund, (b) special needs funding, (c) grants for pre-schools education and (d) funding from Sure Start Scotland to benefit Gaelic-medium education.
Answer
Education authorities are expected to provide Gaelic-medium education where there is a substantial demand for it. There are no restrictions on authorities using these funds to benefit Gaelic-medium provision, consistent with their overall objectives.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 10 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Nicol Stephen on 24 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the annual accounts for the Scottish Qualifications Authority were published for (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.
Answer
This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). However, the SQA normally makes its audited annual accounts available on request after they have been laid in Parliament. I will arrange for the chairman of the SQA to respond to your request for information.
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Monday, 10 December 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Nicol Stephen on 24 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it approved (a) the internal advertisement and appointment to vacant senior posts at the Scottish Qualifications Authority and (b) the criteria for deciding that such posts be treated in this way.
Answer
The recruitment processes adopted to fill posts within the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are a matter for that body. However, under its Management Statement and Financial Memorandum the SQA is required to operate a recruitment system that is based on fair and open competition. In addition, the approval of the Scottish Executive is required for the grading and creation of posts at director level and for the appointment of the Chief Executive.
